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December 21, 2016

Seven Ways to Make Hot Chocolate Healthier

Stop! Drop that packet of pre-packaged, store bought hot chocolate!!
Instead, try this healthier recipe for hot chocolate and one of these seven ways to make it even tastier.

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Serves: 1 serving

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened coconut milk beverage (or unsweetened almond milk)

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

½ tsp. raw honey (optional)

Instructions

Bring coconut milk, cocoa powder, and honey (if desired) to a boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.

Pour into a large mug; serve immediately.

Ok so now that we have the basics covered, tantalize your holiday taste buds with one of these delicious variations.

1. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

With two common spices, you can create a unique flavor for your hot cocoa that will really hit the spot during the holidays.
Add a pinch of cinnamon (up to ½ a teaspoon) and just a dash of ginger (⅛ teaspoon) to a cup of hot chocolate.

2. Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate
If you like your chocolate with an espresso buzz, this version is for you!
Add a shot of espresso and dash of peppermint extract to a cup of hot cocoa. Not a fan of extracts? Use a few leaves of fresh mint instead.

3. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Are you one of those people that just can’t get enough of the fall-favorite? Enjoy it year-round with this recipe. You’ll find that because pumpkin puree is thick, you’ll likely drink this slower than your typical.
Whisk two tablespoons pumpkin puree into a mug of hot chocolate using a whisk or a fork. Then, add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to give it that iconic fall flavor

4. Bananas Foster Hot Chocolate
Chocolate and bananas are a sweet combination that works whether it’s in a smoothie, a campfire dessert, or hot chocolate. Instead of using chunks of a ripe banana as you would with the original Bananas Foster, use dried bananas.
Place a few slices of dried banana in the bottom of a mug, then fill with piping hot chocolate.

5. Tahini Hot Chocolate
This twist of the traditional drink, contains sesame, which makes it richer, creamier, and just a bit nutty.
Simply add one teaspoon of tahini paste into the basic recipe.

6. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cocktail
Whip up a hot version of Chile Mocha Hot Chocolate to keep you warm this winter.
Mix ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of Ancho chile powder to a mug of hot chocolate.

7. Hot Chocolate Martini
Here’s how to enjoy a chocolate martini with less sugar.
Just add a shot of vodka to the basic recipe above. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, try a dash of chocolate extract.